Extra Omnes

1492MCDXCIIComplete

The Keys of Heaven

Rome, 1492: twenty-three princes, one throne and five days of bargaining for the keys of St Peter.

Open year 1559MDLIXComplete

The Carafa Winter

Rome, 1559: forty electors, factional winter and the collapse of the Carafa regime.

Open year

1417MCDXVIIBeta

Constance

Constance, 1417: fifty-three electors, six locks, and the end of the Great Schism.

Open beta 1903MCMIIIBeta

The Last Veto

Rome, 1903: Rampolla, Sarto and the final imperial veto.

Open beta

1061MLXIAlpha

In Nomine Domini

Rome, 1061–64: apply the new election decree, answer Cadalus and carry Alexander II's claim to Mantua.

Open alpha 1268MCCLXVIIIAlpha

Viterbo

Viterbo, 1268–71: deadlock, illness, enclosure and a city running out of patience.

Open alpha 1378MCCCLXXVIIIAlpha

The Broken Conclave

Rome, April 1378: sixteen electors, an armed piazza at the doors, one documented scrutiny — and the disputed election that led to the Great Schism.

Open alpha 1458MCDLVIIIAlpha

The Accession

Rome, 1458: eighteen cardinals, a latrine pact and the public arithmetic of the accessio.

Open alpha 1800MDCCCAlpha

The Island Conclave

Venice, 1799–1800: private undertakings, imperial pressure and thirty-five ways out of exile.

Open alpha 1978MCMLXXVIIIAlpha

October 1978

Rome, October 1978: the second conclave of a volatile year and a divided college.

Open alpha 2025MMXXVAlpha

The College of Strangers

Rome, May 2025: 133 electors, twelve general congregations and the conclave that elected Leo XIV.

Open alpha